Sixty-two politicians left an unpaid Dail bar bill of €5,400 over the summer.

And figures seen by the Sunday Independent show that the high-wire talks which surrounded the formation of the current minority-led Government was thirsty work.

Seasoned politicians - and those new to the Dail - downed some €3,180 worth of booze on credit in just two months.

One member of the Oireachtas has the dubious honour of having the largest outstanding bar debt - which has now risen to €340.

The names of the politicians involved have not been disclosed.

Under a special arrangement, Dail and Seanad members can arrange to buy drinks in the Leinster House bar "on account".

However, they receive a monthly reminder requesting payment of outstanding bills.

Latest figures show the number of accounts unpaid at 62.

Meanwhile, Houses of the Oireachtas sales figures show the standard pint of Guinness is the best-selling alcoholic drink in the Dail bar.

Leinster House's specially labelled 'Oireachtas wine' is next on the list.

A bottle of Merlot, the house red, and Sauvignon Blanc, the house white, are each priced at €21.50.

Visitors to the Dail and Seanad can also purchase a souvenir bottle of 'political plonk' to take home with them.

About 2,000 bottles are purchased each year.

Supporters of this branded wine insist it is "an attraction for tourists", pointing out that other parliaments such as the House of Commons, the Scottish Parliament and the Welsh Assembly have their own whisky and wines.